ATLANTA — The NFL has suspended Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley indefinitely “until the end of the 2022 season at the very least.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made the move on Monday afternoon, saying Ridley had bet on NFL games for the 2021 season.
“The activity took place over five days at the end of November 2021 when Ridley was not on the team and outside the club facility on the non-football sickness list,” the press release said.
The NFL said the league’s investigation found no evidence that insider information was used and no games were compromised.
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In a letter to Ridley notifying him of the suspension, Goodell wrote:
“There is nothing more fundamental to the success of the NFL — and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league — than maintaining the integrity of the game. It is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official and everyone working in the league. Your actions compromised the integrity of the game, threatened to undermine public confidence in professional football, and potentially damaged the reputation of your peers throughout the NFL.
“For decades, gambling in NFL games has been considered one of the most serious violations of league policy, requiring the most serious sanctions. In your case, I acknowledge and thank you for showing up quickly for the interview and admitting to your actions.”
The Atlanta Falcons released a statement saying:
“We first became aware of the league investigation on February 9th. We have fully cooperated with the investigation since the notification was received and support the conclusions and actions of the league. We are moving forward into the 2022 season with the decision made.”
Ridley has to wait until February 15, 2023 to apply for reinstatement. The NFL said he also has three days to appeal the suspension.
Ridley posted a series of tweets in response to his suspension:
“I bet 1500 total, I don’t have a gambling problem.”
“If you know me, you know my character.”
I bet 1500 total, I don’t have a gambling problem
— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 7, 2022
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